Definition of: pressure

(presh′ər) noun
1. The act of pressing, or the state of being pressed.
2. Physics Any force which acts against an opposing force; a thrust, stress, or strain between opposed masses, uniformly distributed over the surfaces in contact: steam pressure; the pressure of gas in a confined space.
3. An impelling or constraining moral force; compulsory motive: bringing pressure to bear.
4. Exigent demand on one's time or strength; urgency: the pressure of business.
5. The oppressive influence or depressing effect of something hard to bear; weight, as of grief or trouble; onerousness: pressure of taxation; pressure of calamity.
6. A printed character; stamp; an impression.
—fluid pressure Pressure of a fluid or resembling that of a fluid, being invariable and uniform in all directions.
—v.t. ·sured, ·sur·ing Colloq. To compel, as by forceful persuasion or influence: He was pressured to accept the job. [<OF <L pressura <pressus, pp. of premere press]